Bridget Cutler was still adjusting to being a new mom when she read a magazine article that changed her life .

`` It was about a mother who decided to give her child up for adoption because she could n't stand to hear her crying from hunger , '' Cutler remembered . `` I just thought that no mother should ever be faced with that choice . ''

It can cost close to $ 250,000 to raise a child in the United States , according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture -- and that is just for the basics . It 's especially tough for families in New Jersey , where one in eight people struggle to make ends meet .

The following day , Cutler called her `` mom friends '' and started collecting gently used baby items .

`` I had the intention , originally , of finding a local organization to donate them to that would benefit my neighbors , '' said Cutler , 34 .

When she did not find what she was looking for , Cutler 's idea for Moms Helping Moms was born . Since 2011 , the nonprofit has distributed diapers , clothing , nursing supplies and other baby essentials for hundreds of infants and toddlers in New Jersey .

`` So many people have such an abundance , and so many others strive to afford even the basics , '' Cutler said . `` What we 're doing is trying to bridge that gap . ''

A fair start in life

Moms Helping Moms started with one garage sale that Cutler held at her home -- except everything was free . The drive was a success , and she met many mothers in need and many mothers who wanted to help her build the organization .

Today , Cutler and her volunteers solicit donations of new or gently used baby items in their neighborhoods .

Cutler knows that it can be difficult for some parents to part with their children 's things .

`` I wanted to assure these people who were donating so generously to us that these things were absolutely going into hands that needed them , '' she said .

Cutler finds recipients through social workers and other nonprofits . She works with homeless mothers , teen moms and families who have fallen on hard times and just need a boost .

Jasmine Harding suffered complications during her last pregnancy . The mother of three was out of work for nearly 10 months , and she and her partner struggled to afford everything they needed .

`` I never thought that I would be in this position . I 've had a job since I was 16 , '' Harding said . `` I 'm their mom , and I should be able to do whatever it is that I need to do for them . ''

Basic needs and beyond

At a recent Moms Helping Moms event , Harding received clothing , diapers and a stroller . Now she is able to push her 3-month-old daughter to day care before heading to her new job .

For families like Harding 's , the drives are not just about getting free baby gear . They provide an opportunity to get financially back on their feet .

`` New clothes , diapers and wipes , they 're a constant expense , '' Harding said . `` With the things that I got today , that will allow me to put that money towards something else , like my rent or my bills . ''

Cutler and her group aim to provide more than just goods to the moms they serve . Volunteers offer support and guidance , giving recipients a sense of community they may not otherwise have .

For Cutler , a mother of two , running this nonprofit truly is a labor of love . She recently left her job to devote more time to her group 's efforts .

`` Every child deserves all the same things in life . They deserve all of the basics , '' Cutler said . `` If what we 're doing helps bridge the gap between people from different socioeconomic backgrounds , even in a small way , then it 's definitely worth all the hard work . ''

Want to get involved ? Check out the Moms Helping Moms website at www.momshelpingmomsfoundation.org and see how to help .

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Moms Helping Moms was born when Bridget Cutler met moms in need in her community

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The nonprofit got its start when Cutler held a garage sale in which all items were free

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Since 2011 , it has distributed diapers , clothes , nursing supplies and other baby gear

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Donated new or gently used items go to homeless moms , teen moms and families in need